The Wise Unknown

The Wise Unknown

Some of the country’s most revered actors, activists, authors, and spiritual guides introduce listeners to the “wisest person no one has ever heard of” who they credit with being critical to their success in life. Host Courtney E. Martin–think Krista Tippett meets Studs Terkel–then elicits the life lessons, palpable delights, and funny stories of these refreshingly unrefined, unknown gurus.

Episodes

May 12, 2025 34 mins

Courtney and producer Golda talk about how the series was created and look back at some memorable moments from our guests. 

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Minisode: Listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay on the thing she can't forget from her conversation with Leah Solomon.

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April 28, 2025 33 mins
Rabbi Sharon Brous and Leah Solomon
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Wise Unknown listeners, we're bringing you the first episode of a new series from our friends over at Slate. Living at Odds is a new How To! series about what’s holding us together when so much threatens to break us apart. Host Courtney Martin talks with two street vendors who operated rivaling merch tents at the same busy intersection during the 2024 election. Steve hawked MAGA caps and Trump-branded pool floaties just a ...

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April 7, 2025 7 mins

Minisode: listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay reflecting on the theme of being an 'old soul', and the wisdom of children, featuring a previous guest, Isabel Allende's wise unknown, Lori Barra. 

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March 31, 2025 39 mins

W. Kamau Bell introduces Courtney to Dwayne Kennedy, a favorite comedian of people like Marc Maron and Chris Rock - so why hasn’t Dwayne ever “made it big?”

This episode is from Wise Unknown's first season - listen for more quiet wisdom here: https://thewiseunknown.com/

Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at thewiseunknown7@gmail.com or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode...

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March 24, 2025 4 mins

Listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay on the thing she can't forget from her conversation with Maya Millett. 

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March 17, 2025 36 mins

Bestselling author and poet Hanif Abdurraqib introduces Courtney to editor and producer Maya Millett. 

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March 10, 2025 3 mins

Minisode: Listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay on the thing she can't forget from her conversation with Allison Cordona.

Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at thewiseunknown7@gmail.com or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

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March 3, 2025 21 mins

Tony Award-winning visionary and solo-performer Sarah introduces Courtney to animal and human rights advocate, Allison.

Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at thewiseunknown7@gmail.com or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

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Minisode: Listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay on the thing she can't forget from her conversation with Agapi Stassinopoulos.

Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at thewiseunknown7@gmail.com or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

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February 17, 2025 36 mins

Media entrepreneur powerhouse Arianna introduces Courtney to actor, self-love guru, and sister, Agapi.

Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at thewiseunknown7@gmail.com or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

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February 10, 2025 4 mins

Minisode: Listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay on the thing she can't forget from her conversation with Janine de Novais.

Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at thewiseunknown7@gmail.com  or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

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February 3, 2025 39 mins

Bestselling author and movement builder adrienne introduces Courtney to sociological genius and writer, Janine. 


Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at thewiseunknown7@gmail.com or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

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January 31, 2025 1 min

Some of the country’s favorite actors, activists, and authors introduce listeners to the “wisest person no one has ever heard of” who they credit with being critical to their success in life. Host Courtney E. Martin–think Krista Tippett meets Studs Terkel–elicits the life lessons and palpable delights of these ‘wise unknowns’.

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Courtney and Golda talk about how the series was created, look back at some memorable moments from our guests, and hear from listeners. Plus, stay tuned for how you can get your hands on the Wise Unknown poster.

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November 23, 2023 37 mins

Larger-than-life bestselling novelist Isabel introduces Courtney to a remarkably understated photographer and very patient daughter-in-law, Lori.

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November 16, 2023 34 mins

Renaissance woman Rosario introduces Courtney to her multi-hyphenate, straight-talkin’ bestie.

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November 9, 2023 39 mins

Ashley introduces Courtney to the man who helped her find her courage as she blew open the Harvey Weinstein case.

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November 2, 2023 43 mins

MacArthur genius and labor organizer Ai-jen introduces Courtney to under-the-radar Civil Rights hero, Joyce Johnson.

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